Hank Williams

Note: Don Helms died Aug. 11, 2008. The Hank Williams Tribute and the Class Country Shows performed later that fall were dedicated to his memory.

The fifth annual Tribute to Hank Williams may very well have been the best one yet. This time, Terry Huval, who organizes the tributes, played twin steel guitars with Don Helms, the only surviving member of the Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys and a legendary musician who played and recorded with many other country music stars. As you can see in the top photo, Helms approved of his friend's guitar work.

During one segment of the show, Helms reminisced about his days playing with Hank and offered a steel guitar solo tribute to Hank, showing how the subtle modulations in the tones of his instrument can evoke the entire spectrum of human emotions.

This year, Terry sang "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You)," "Why Don't You Love Me," "I'm Sorry for You, My Friend,"  and "Wedding Bells."

Hugh Harris brought Hank to life on stage at the Liberty with his renditions of "Long Gone, Lonesome Blues," "Crazy Heart," Hey, Good Lookin'," "My Son Calls Another Man Daddy," "You Win Again," Settin' the Woods on Fire," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Honky Tonkin'," "Baby, We're Really in Love," "Men with Broken Hearts" (one of the Luke the Drifter numbers), "Mind Your Own Business," and "Honky Tonk Blues," the song that provided the basic melody and rhythm for D.L. Menard's "La Porte d'en Arrière."

D.L. Menard himself was back for the fifth year to perform "My Love for You (Has Turned to Hate)," "I Could Never Be Ashamed of You," the gospel numbers "Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine" and "Mansion on a Hill," and "Lonesome Whistle."

Pope Huval sang "I'm a Long Gone Daddy," "I Still Want You," teamed with Terry on guitar for "How Could You Refuse Him Now" and "I Watched My Dream World Crumble Like Clay" in a segment titled "Hank and His Guitar," and sang "The Old Country Church" with Hugh.

As has become traditional, everyone was on stage, joined by Reggie Matte's accordion, for "I Saw the Light."

Barry Ancelet again served as master of ceremonies.

The fifth program, which again brought capacity crowds to the Liberty, included songs that we all remember and a few that we may have never heard before. One reason that the shows are so successful is that Terry Huval and his friends clearly love bringing back Hank's music, and they share that love with the audience. The other reason, now more obvious than ever after five years, is that Hank Williams' music is timeless– beautiful and wise and always heartfelt.

Stage musicians (shown in the bottom photos) included Don Helms, steel guitar; Gina Forsyth, fiddle; Kyle Harris, lead guitar; Randy Champagne, acoustic guitar; Kenneth David, upright bass; Tony Huval Drums. Reggie Matte on accordion joined everyone on stage for the finale.

Click here to go to the page on the first Hank Williams Tribute.

In the right column, going down from the top, are Terry Huval and Don Helms, Terry Huval on guitar, Hugh Harris, D.L. Menard, Barry Ancelet (the master of ceremonies), and Pope Huval with Hugh Harris. In the left column are photos of Pope Huval and of Gina Forsyth with Hugh Harris.

Posted 1-30-05

All photographs and text by David Simpson.

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